Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Memorial Day Camping 2011

Well my lil' man was upset I didn't take him camping when I went to the BMR so he started placing his 'camping gear' by his bedroom door all week and kept telling me he was going camping.  I asked who was taking him and he told me I was, so I decided what the heck, might as well.  This was his first overnight stay in the woods.  He did 2 nights and 3 days.  We started on Friday night by setting up camp at the Dismals Canyon in NW Alabama.  Saturday, we canoed Bear Creek, went back to camp, cooked some burgers, and camped again.   Sunday we got up, packed, and then hiked through the canyon for a few hours.  After we left, we drove down the road about 45 minutes and hiked at the Natural Bridge for a little while before coming home.  Overall, everyone did great and we all had an awesome time.

Mom and 'sissy' setting up camp. 
Sidenote: Those stickers explain a lot.

"I can tour all by myelf, DEAD HEAD." I had forgotten about that sticker.  It was fun pulling out the old tour stove and getting bombarded with questions by my daughter.  It's been about 4 years since I took her camping last.  Now her brother is 4 and it's back to "Adventure, here we come." 

Lil' man entertaining us with his mad harmonica skills.  That's a pre WWII Hohner Chromatica Harmonica he's playing.  I've had it since it I was a little guy.  I can't play, but the boy seems to be a natural.  We even helped him with some knee slapping action.  What a fun first night.

Early next morning, it was just the two boys up and getting breakfast ready for the girls before we went canoeing.  Hearty breakfast included sausage links, Western style scrambled eggs, and some toast with jam.
The little fellow was really excited about helping out with this and making momma proud.

Next two below are from a little side creek we went exploring in off of Bear Creek.  It was absolutely beautiful and I captured some amazing photos of the children in the light on this creek.  These are oviously not them, but rather just some group photos for memories sake.


In the Dismals Canyon on day 3.  I really liked how the light was spraying down through the trees into the canyon and caught some good images of it.  This is just one. 

The waterfall that we all 4 hiked up and across and then down.  This crossing is not part of the normal path and is not for the faint of heart or weak.  I had to do a little hand holding for the boy on the areas with big drop offs to ensure safety and he was super excited about his accomplishment.  All 4 of us were, really.  It's the first time we all did it together out of the several trips we have taken to this canyon.

I thought this one below turned out well and exemplifies pure joy. 


In conclusion, this trip gave me to time to reflect on many things including the meaning of Memorial Day.  As we drove up to the Dismals this year we went throught Hackleburg, AL which was completely demolished by an F4 or F5 tornado.  The damage surpassed any that I have seen yet.  It reminded us all that there is no guarantee for tomorrow.  Tell people you love them often, thank your Veterans, and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to afford you the freedoms we all take for granted some days!  

Friday, May 27, 2011

Big Mountain Run Ride Pics

Just some scenic stuff, all pretty close to the campgrounds.



The next three down are from the Cherahola skyway. Awesome riding around there minus the D-bags on their sport bikes and guys riding baggers way beyond their capabilities.  Sport bikes can be cool as well, but not when assholes streak by your buddies within inches of their bike and then lock the brakes up in front of you.  Just a couple days ago this happened locally when a sport bike passes a buddy of mine on his Softail Custom and then slams it into the back of a 17 year olds F-150 dying on impact.  For fuck's sake, slow down and crawl a little before you run.  Rant Over! Keep the rubber side down though.



Next few down are from a secret magical biker hideout atop the mountain.  You have to put your bike in 4wd to get there, but it's well worth it.  By the looks of things, trespassers will probably be shot and never be seen again if they stumble on the majical biker lookout again next year.




Locked hubs and all for stream crossings.  30 foot rooster tails and smiles all evening long.  This was fun, but the pic didn't come out worth a damn.  Just stickin' it here for 'mammaries' sake.

Gassin' up and headin' out of Dodge.


After Shot...

After being kicked in the nutz by an XS 400!

BMR Bikes

1918 HD.  This bike was ridden hard which made it all the more beautiful.


Sweet Pan Chop.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

BMR 2011 - Day 1 and 2

Day 1 was a short (2.5 hr. turned 4 hr.) solo trip to Birmingham to Casa del Garco as pictured below in all it's beauty.  Thank goodness B'ham sells beer to 3 a.m.  This fine resort consisted of a 2:30 a.m. check in time and complimentary lawn chair cushions and a packing blanket that permeated aromas of wet dog and burnt motor oil.  It was basically a warm and fuzzy little biker haven for approximately 4 or 5 hours until checkout time.  Checkout time was at 7 a.m. and concierge services were provided by Spenser and Ed.  Spenser thanks for the Gatorade, that stuff hit the spot in the a.m. Ed was awesome just because he is awesome.
Day 2. First stop somewhere on Hwy 11.  Not sure why, but we thumped locusts and took pics and chatted.  It was nice not worrying about time and just cruising on the bike, stopping, bullshitting, back on, ride, repeat.


Pickett, Ross, and Bill discussing some important shit. I'm pretty sure if they were thinking what I was thinking, it's "when is the first beer stop?"


Spenser grabbing some hugs before we get back on the road and Kustom Jeff and Ryan discussing the finer details of the day like where the first beer stop should be.  Maybe they weren't, but that's what I was thinking.

A bunch of empty choppers, while the riders are putting the 'beat down' on some Wendy's double stacks.  What an awesome view from a Wendy's.  

Spenser and his girl getting reaquainted.  I thought this was a super pic of them and they might want to grab it from here.  She was a super nice gal to.  Thanks for letting me throw some of my junk in your car and not have to carry it on my bike. 


Pickett was excited and happy about something.  Maybe it was just being on his sportster in the mountains.  This dude was super nice and loved to ride the fire out his scoot.  I thought this was a snazzy pic of him as well and he might want it. 


Good shot of Ed, Ross, and Ian at the first overlook on the way up.  All 3 were standup guys and I enjoyed hanging with them very much.  Ed was a bungee cord master and awesome individual, Ross is a phenomenal machininist and can be found at southpaw-machine.blogspot.com, and Ian is doing some kick ass leather work and can be found at americanaspeedshop.blogspot.com.


This last pic sums up the whole weekend.  Big smiles, bikes, and a good time not soon forgotten. 

Thanks again to all you crazy cats from B'ham who let me tag along and help make this trip possible.  Also big thanks to all of who you who put on the non-stop shenanigans that kept me laughing and smiling for 4 days straight.  I got some more pics worth posting and will do so over the next few days or week or as time allows. 

One last pic for the day because I think these two guys with me may want it and because it was awesome.  Me, Bowles, and David decided to ride our bikes throught two creek crossings and up the mountain on some gnarly dirt/rock roads and through a gate to some private overlook based on the recommendation of a local.  The view and opportunity was well worth it.  Thanks for being rad enough to go with me guys!

Monday, May 23, 2011

BMR 2011

Well, the BMR was a true experience for sure. It's been a few years since I jumped out on the road with a tent, some smokes, and no expectations. This trip was different because I left by myself on my motorcycle. Every other trip I had atleast one brother with me and would arrive to meet up with others, but not this time. It was just me, the crap I stuffed in compression sacks, a bag of tools, and a free spirit sitting behind 12 inch apes.

It's taken a whole day at home to really soak in the experience. I do wanna say thanks to the Garage Company guys for letting me meet up with them and make the ride up with them. I've got some really awesome pics of people smiling from ear to ear to share and will do so over the next few days. I met some really awesome individuals over the last few days and sit now with the belief that a few will be friends for a long time to come.

Anyhow, when I get to a computer and internet access not on a phone I will share some photos and maybe some thoughts. For now I'm going to enjoy spending time at home with my family. Just got back from a 15 minute sunset cruise around the neighborhood hills with 4 year old lil' man sitting on the tank and explaining the operation of a clutch. Good to be home!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Have a good weekend and Go Ride Your Bike!

Beach Cruisers just plain ROCK! That's all I got to say about that! Now get off the computer and go do something!

Roundup People and Awards

~T caught me peeping out these tight metrics. 


Nick, Roadside, and Larry giving away the goods. Gracias amigos.

That cute little girl song a whole song for the bunch of hammer heads in front of her to.  It was awesome. I don't remember what she sang, but it was still awesome. Reminded me of mine at that age.




~T takin' ass shots.  Way to go babe.  You really know how to capture the moment. :)

There she is, microphone in hand, gettin' it done.  Sing on sister!


Ashley hustlin'.  Met her and Larry for the first time.  Super nice folks.  I ended up getting a little buzzy and buying 5 shirts I think.  Hope that helps the beer fund fellas.

A little crowd action.  Everybody in tight for free stuff and to listen to the awards.